Wisconsin Badgers

Jeff Potrykus chat at 7 p.m. Monday

UW football

Q:
gene,
chicago
- dont know who else to addresss this one to, although this might not be in your bailiwick-- why was the radio broadcast moved off WTMJ, which carries south of the border, to an FM station which does not carry this far. I did listen to a national broadcast, but that is like spamcompared to a real meal

A: Jeff Potrykus
- Gene: My suggestion would be to call WTMJ. We have nothing to do with programming decisions.

Q:
PJ,
Princeton, NJ
- Will Stave be healthy come New Year's Day? If he is, any chance he will get the start? Phillips has been solid (made no critical mistakes), but Stave is the better passer. UW will have to pass a little to beat Stanford. Thanks for your excellent coverage.

A: Jeff Potrykus
- He's ahead of schedule but start? Man, he hasn't played since Oct. 27. That would be a two-month layoff. I would hope they won't even entertain the idea. Maybe -- and I mean MAYBE -- have him in the pen if he is ahead of schedule and shows in practice he can help. But they really don't want to rush him back.

Q:
doug greenberg,
san antonio
- Jeff-my question did not make the last two chats so I hope I make it in. Jeff, your prediction was so wrong. Wisconsin by 3? I also liked your tweet that Wisconsin "still cannot win a close game." You must admit I have said multiple times this year that this might be BB's coaching job ever. How do you feel about that knowing everything you do about this season? What the heck got into matt "Chip Kelly" Canada? That was incredible. I had several friends text me and say "when did you guys become Oregon?" There were so many great plays to go over so I will just say..well done Badgers! The D has been pretty stout all year so I am happy for them that the O did what they did. The game got to a point where even Pelini stopped making funny faces because it was over. Was this game good enough for Mark May regarding Curt Phillips leading us to a W? I will say, I was getting very upset with the Fox crew. They said multiple times that "Bielema likes to run up the score and that is what he is known for." That is just crap. This is all because Nate Tice tossed a TD pass to a 5th string receiver against Indiana in a prior season. Jeff-you do a fantastic job. I know it is early, but how will the Badgers prepare for a very tough Standford team, and what will the keys to game be? What a way to end the season. Congrats Badgers!

A: Jeff Potrykus
- First, Tice scored on a run vs. IU. As for Stanford, I haven't had time to start looking at the Pac 12 title game but I know they play a lot of guys on defense, a lot. Sometimes 22, like Oregon last season. Good speed, well-coached. UW will have a tough time winning. Redshirt frosh QB is very good. Great O-line with a hell of a back. UW has to control the TB and the mobile QB, as it did vs. OSU for the most part. UW is capable. But UW won't gash Stanford's front seven like it did Nebraska. Curt will have to hit some throws but Stanford is week against the pass.

Q:
eddiemathews
- Jeff - do the coaches/players pay any attention to the idiocy on the blogs, talk shows, etc. and get extra satisfaction from a performance like Saturday's? I know they have a better understanding and focus than the rest of us, but they are still human.

A: Jeff Potrykus
- I would imagine they have people monitoring every corner of the web for a variety of reasons, but not to see what fans are chatting about. I would imagine they get more than a bit peeved if fans come up to them at functions and start telling them what they should do. Extra satisfaction? Hell, no. The players, coaches get satisfaction from winning for the team.

Q:
BadgerBackerTom,
Wilmette IL
- Woo-hoo, goin' to Pasadena never gets old. Love how they opened the offensive playbook and got very creative in the run game -- hope this continues with an added creative passing attack against Stanford. Just wondering, will BB open up the competition for kicking field goals during the bowl prep? KF remains a problem.

A: Jeff Potrykus
- They chart every kick, every week in practice. They will continue to do so.

Q:
dean kelly,
delphi indiana
- When the UW player Smith was cheap shotted by # 80 from nebraska I was appalled. # 80 should have been ejected from the game.
There was head to head contact. Then # 80 stands there like he is proud of his abuse of another player. He is a thug.
Should college football review personal foul penalties and then penalize the player or the universtiy. I feel a one game supenson for #80 is justified.
thank you
Dean Kelly

A: Jeff Potrykus
- Funny, I didn't see that at all. I saw Bell motion to his teammates to stop celebrating (he used his hands, palms down, to tell them to be quiet) because he saw Smith was hurt. He approached Smith as Smith was being helped off the field. My view: He was frustrated with the butt-whipping, took it out on the guy in his area, and then realized what he had done. He does not have the rep of a thug. And it wasn't helmet-to-helmet contact. He was penalized for "launching."

Q:
Kramer,
Oregon, WI
- Jeff: I must admit, I never saw this dominating performance coming. Great win for Coach B. First game this year where it was actually "fun" to watch the Badgers. Two questions: 1) Your thoughts on Borland's "body slam" tackle of Martinez? 2) Do we have anything left in the well for Stanford? Thanks Jeff and get in touch with your favorite Taco Bells in Pasadena!

A: Jeff Potrykus
- Like Bell, I think Chris let the emotion of the moment get to him. He should have been penalized and I love Borland. Tough SOB who loves the game. But there is NO LOVE LOST between UW defenders and Martinez. None. As for So Cal, it is Del Taco out there for me.

Q:
Greg s,
Columbia SC
- I do not recall P Jean playing this year before Sat night. if so , do you believe it was worth burning a redshirt year?

A: Jeff Potrykus
- Jean redshirted in 2010. He played earlier this season as well. Been limited because of foot injury in camp.

Q:
Nick,
Chicago
- I was critical of DC Ash for his bend don't break defense..
But he won me over with his latest 2-4-5 defense...Abandoned the Monte Kiffin cover 2.... Adapted to a defense that would work well against the spread...Did he talk to Dom Capers ( he runs something similar)

A: Jeff Potrykus
- Chris studies a lot of NFL tape and tries to incorporate things he likes and thinks will fit UW's personnel. What you saw Saturday was a variation of a look they've shown before. They have several options, not all of which have been used.

Q:
Gary,
Cleveland
- Why did the coaching staff wait until the last game to call plays (out side the box runs) that resulted in the ability to score 70 points? If they were not going to REALLY use Gordon until this game, why was he not red shirted instead of wasting a whole year - what a shame. How excited do you think the OSU and Penn State FB programs are today knowing BB will continue as the coach - UW will not no longer be a threat to them? Will the Rose Bowl change their rules so they do not get stuck with a 5 lose team in the future? What does it say when the Big 10 championship game can get only 40,000 people to the game? With a probable OSU/MI game on tap next year, this will be remembered as the Big 10's DARKEST DAYS.

A: Jeff Potrykus
- Gary, not quite sure where to begin. They've had those plays in the playbook and have used them previously. Passing from the barge was new, as was the alignment from which Phillips hit Watt in the right flat after taking the snap from Arneson. watch for that in the Rose Bowl. Why not redshirt Gordon this year? Thought about asking that until I remembered Gordon redshirted last season. He is a REDSHIRT freshman. I would imagine Penn State officials are worried about recruiting players despite being ineligible for postseason play for the next three seasons. UW will beat Stanford, by the way. OSU and Michigan will meet next season -- once, in Ann Arbor.

Q:
Kevin,
New Orleans, LA
- How impressed are you with Bart Miller's ability to learn from mistakes made in the first game? Seems like he had a good game plan and his coaching efforts succeeded in preparing the O Line and bringing back the pride that is Wisconsin!

A: Jeff Potrykus
- I've been impressed with Bart's ability to take a line that was dysfunctional and turn it into a solid unit despite a lack of prep time and injuries here and there. He is only going to get better.

Q:
HM,
MILWAUKEE,WI
- Were the coaches holding back their bag of tricks, offense and defense, for a month or did they implement all the goodies this past week? Did they just think the Nebraska defense was most vulnerable to the formations and plays? The coaching and execution made UW look like a top ten team, at least, for the first time this year.

A: Jeff Potrykus
- Remember they had a different QB from the first meeting and better line this time so you were bound to see changes. I think they looked at the first game, looked at how other teams had attacked Neb with success since then and saw they could outflank them with speed. Huskers probably figured UW would attack the new DT but instead UW went outside first. That caught Huskers off-guard. Throwing out of the barge was a natural extension. People have been calling for more of Gordon but Bielema mentioned last week on radio they still have just a specific/limited package of plays for Melvin. I imagine that will increase in 2013.

Q:
Corey,
Madison,WI
- Hey Jeff, wow-utterly dominating performance, can't say I saw it coming. Figured UW would win, but not by nearly 6 TD's! Anyway, wanted to get your opinion on UW's team speed. Last night, they definitely shattered the historical (now inaccurate) view of UW as just a bunch of plodders. Watching the offense, I felt Canada started showing some of the spread offense concepts that he has a background with. Not necessarily the jet sweeps, but the attack on the edges of Nebraska's defense just reminded of it. Maybe I'm off on my assessment, but from your perspective does UW have more team speed in this install of the Rose Bowl than the last couple of years? Thanks again

A: Jeff Potrykus
- Defense first. Not really. Most of the same guys back. Biggest addition in terms of speed is Gilbert. Southward isn't faster than he was last year but he appears faster and is making more plays because his reads are better/quicker. Offense: Gordon is the biggest add. He brings a dimension NU didn't expect because he had two carries in the first game.

Q:
Jason,
Madison
- You noted in your report card the job the coaching staff has done given the variability that's occurred this season. In my opinion, with the ineligibility of Ohio State and Penn State and the relative lack of competition from the other division schools, Wisconsin never faced a single backs against the wall, must win, make or break game all year - until Saturday. They never needed to have a true sense of urgency. Can you touch on how you think that affects players in a locker room and the added challenge for the coaching staff?

A: Jeff Potrykus
- Not sure I can explain something that isn't real. I mean this sincerely: If you think they didn't need/feel/experience a true sense of urgency this season you've probably never been in a locker room. Two-minute drill at Oregon State. Fourth-quarter tying drives vs. OSU and PSU. Fourth quarter of first Nebraska game. Fans keep insisting the OSU/PSU games didn't mean anything but they meant EVERYTHING to the players and coaches who busted their butts to win those games. So to answer your question, there was no added challenge for the coaching staff.

Q:
Sheldon Taylor,
Holmen, Wi.
- The Big Ten commish seemed very deadpan during the trophy presentation. Is there a story behind his apparent lack of emotion? Thanks for your insights this season.

A: Jeff Potrykus
- Is this the first time you've seen the guy. That is who he is.

Q:
XXL,
Krum, Texas
- Was that the best performance that you have seen the Badgers turn since you have covered the team?

A: Jeff Potrykus
- The 1999 whipping of MSU in Madison was impressive. Beating Auburn in 2006 Cap 1 was impressive. This would be near and perhaps at the top.

Q:
Clint,
San Clemente, CA
-
So, will the real Badgers please stand up? Is it the team that just ran for over 500 yards against a pretty good Nebraska defense, or the team that was held to twenty something net rushing against MSU? And are they finally going to put the ball in Gordon's hands more than once or twice a game? Your thoughts?

A: Jeff Potrykus
- First, the MSU defense is much better than Nebraska's. Second, it is a team that has been very close to breaking through. That offense moved the ball well vs. OSU, which has a better defense than Nebraska. On Saturday you saw what they're capable of at full-strength (though Costy was out but should be good for the bowl game). Gordon? I assume his use will be dictated by what they see from studying Stanford. Different scheme, better defense then Neb.

Q:
Rob,
Baltimore
- Jeff - What did you see/know that lead you to your pick of a UW victory? I was hopeful as always but didn't see a victory happening let alone a blowout.

A: Jeff Potrykus
- Felt that with a healthy defense and an improving offense UW was just the better team. But my prediction was solidified by talking to the players/coaches during the week. Go back and read our Saturday story previewing the game and read the quotes of Brendan Kelly. What he said is what you saw.

Q:
Steve,
South Carolina
- Hi Jeff, Totally walking on air after that game... Two football rule questions: (1) How could Watt be an eligible receiver on the play where he lined up to hike the ball to Phillips? (2) How bad were the three calls toward the end of game: roughing the passer non-call, roughing the cornerback, roughing the quarterbark part 2? Thanks for the coverage, even on twitter no less.

A: Jeff Potrykus
- Arneson was the snapper, not Watt. But Arneson is also eligible, too. Don't remember first call you note. Second is the hit on Smith? Good call. Third is the hit on Martinez by Hemer? Good call.

Q:
Cheesehead Sports Nut,
@CheeseheadSN
- There are some Bret Bielema and Tennessee rumors swirling. That move doesn't make a ton of sense to me but I am the same guy that said Crean leaving Marquette for Indiana was stupid so what do I know. Do you chalk this up to the usual coaching rumors or do you think this one has more legs?

A: Jeff Potrykus
- As I noted on Twitter, I rolled over and went back to sleep when I read that tweet.

Q:
STPAULBUCKY
- Jeff - Thanks, as always, for your hard work. If Stanford is able to mostly shut down Wisconsin's rushing attack like OSU, MSU and PSU, is Curt going to be able to throw the rock well enough to win in Pasadena?

A: Jeff Potrykus
- I haven't studied Stanford tape yet but I do know their pass defense isn't all that good. So I would suspect UW will feel they can move the ball through the air if needed.

Q:
Bob Vance,
Middleton
- Is there any chance we could see Stave play in the Rose Bowl? Please say Yes....lets say he is fully healed by Dec. 22nd and cleared to play...will that happen and will he then start...he is best QB and thrower and Stanford will have to respect his ability to the throw the ball, unlike Phillips....

A: Jeff Potrykus
- Noted earlier tonight I hope not. Only way you entertain it is if he is cleared yesterday and can practice for a month to prove he can take a hit and doesn't need a gallon of WD-40.

Q:
Matt,
Stoughton
- 4 - The number of carries for Melvin Gordon in five Badger losses.
49 - The number of carries for Melvin Gordon in eight Badger wins.
For lack of a better way to ask this, why?

A: Jeff Potrykus
- There isn't enough time for me to explain that because a player/scheme has success one week vs. one opponent doesn't mean it will work against others. One example off the top of my head: They tried running Gordon on the jet sweep (you'll notice it's pretty much all they ask him to do right now) against Michigan State and he almost got killed.

Q:
Andy Shovers,
Atlanta
- Jeff: I man not an "X and O" person, so do not understand the purpose of all of UW's pre-snap shifting. It certainly worked Saturday night, so I am not complaining, but why not just line-up like that to begin with? Does it really cause that much confusion to a defense? Thanks. Andy

A: Jeff Potrykus
- Sometimes a defense might not shift back quickly enough and you hit 'em where they ain't. Sometimes it might cause confusion with assignments. As the OC you can see how they react to certain shifts and use it against them later.

Q:
Slim Jim,
Appleton
- Are you going to give thoughtful answers to the reader's questions or are you just going to try and be a sarcastic smartass as usual?

A: Jeff Potrykus
- As always, it depends on the nature of the question. Sincere questions elicit thoughtful responses. Any other questions?

Q:
Brad,
West Bend
- Since your crystal ball worked well for the B1G championship game, what is your prediction and early thoughts on Wisconsin's chances against Stanford?

A: Jeff Potrykus
- UW will triumph.

Q:
Brian,
De Pere
- You called it Jeff! Perhaps not in the manner the victory occurred. Predictions against Stanford?

A: Jeff Potrykus
- Yep, had a mistake there. Originally wrote UW joined Michigan and Ohio State, blah-blah-blah but when I dumped the story in our system it was too long and I had to trim. Hacked out the OSU stuff, as well as other lines, but forgot to change the wording from UW joins to UW becomes the first team since...etc

Q:
Jim,
St Point, WI
- Jeff - I am hoping that the Matt Canada bashers will finally let up and realize that when he has finally had a little stability with a quarterback and offensive line direction this season, the offense has looked pretty good with some inventive play and formation calling...Your thoughts?
Thanks!

A: Jeff Potrykus
- They haven't and won't. Now it's (predictably) why didn't he do this before? I've used this example before and I will again. Compare UW's scoring/third-down conversion rate this year to 2008, when Chryst had transition at QB. Paul talked then about how play-calling is affected by uncertainty at that position. Matt has had more transition with three guys, plus the struggles on the line and a new OL coach in the middle of the season. PC was a great OC but even he struggled that year when he couldn't get a good feel week to week what would work and what wouldn't. For the life of me I don't get how folks can't see that.

Q:
Terry,
Mequon
- Hi Jeff
First off, what a game! Our kids looked great! It was a great victory to end the season. What are your thoughts on the Rose Bowl? Do you think the Badgers really deserve to be in the Rose Bowl? And finally, as you've said in the past "one game does not make a season" so do you think BB will be asked to come back ?

A: Jeff Potrykus
- Do I think Bielema will be asked to come back? Seriously? Really? You're not kidding? Of course. No rationale athletic director would entertain the idea of not retaining him.

Q:
Peter G,
Minneapolis, MN
- Didn't see it addressed but how is Devin Smith doing? Will he be available for the Rose Bowl or did Bell end his collegiate career in Indy? Will Costigan be available? Also, I think another DB (possibly Gaulden?) that has been injured; would he be used if healthy considering both Cro and D.Smith will not be back next year? Thanks for hosting the chats!

A: Jeff Potrykus
- Smith and Costy should be good to go. Gaulden is out. They wouldn't play him -- or any other reserve -- in the bowl just to prep them for 2013.

Q:
TwinCitiesFan,
Wayzata,MN
- Hi Jeff!
I am very, very happy with the progress that was made by the offensive line this season. I am also extremely optimistic about next year for this group.
The concern of many fans now focuses on our passing game. We have eleven freshmen and sophomores at the wide receiver position. Do you see any standouts in this cadre of players? What are your thoughts about the 2013 passing game?

A: Jeff Potrykus
- I don't see any standouts among the WR group. I will talk to Azzanni at some point during bowl prep about what he expects moving forward. Way too early to project the passing game until we get a look at the line and at who lines up under C.

Q:
Peter G,
Minneapolis, MN
- When will the decision be made on Phillips and Kelly's sixth year apps? If Curt is awarded year six, does he go into spring training as the defacto starter or is it QB open season for Stave/Phillips/Houston? Thanks for the consideration.

A: Jeff Potrykus
- Last question: The paperwork has been submitted but no timetable on a response. I'm assuming Matt will give the healthy QBs as many reps as he can in the spring to get an idea of how to attack camp. I wouldn't lose any sleep over who is No. 1 in the spring. Camp will provide the answers.